Working as a sober driver at night, I accidentally picked up a Rolls-Royce ride. The owner turned out to be my ex-boyfriend from seven years ago. Anderson had one arm around a tipsy Judy, the other handing me the car keys. I tugged my baseball cap lower, nervously took the keys, and prayed they wouldn’t recognize me. The car started, and the partition between the front and back seats slowly lowered. Soon, Judy’s languid moans drifted from the backseat. Anderson’s voice was filled with doting affection: “Can’t you even wait for that?” Judy whined, “No, not here. There are no condoms in the car.” “What does it matter?” “What if I get pregnant?” Anderson paused. “Then we’ll have it.” My heart couldn’t help but throb with a dull ache. He’d said those exact words to me seven years ago. And because of that, we had a six-year-old daughter. He just didn’t know it. Even with the partition down, the soundproofing was practically useless. The sounds of their passionate lovemaking assaulted my ears. The veins on the back of my hand, gripping the steering wheel, bulged, but I dared not let my foot tremble on the accelerator. Right now, I was Sober Driver 09, not Marta. For Lester’s medical expenses, I couldn’t afford a complaint. “Anderson, slower…” Judy’s voice was sickeningly sweet. “What, you don’t like it?” Anderson’s voice, deep and raspy, held a predatory edge I’d once known intimately. Only now, that desire was for another woman. “Ugh… Oh, Anderson, the driver up front looks like a woman.” Judy’s words took an abrupt turn, and through the rearview mirror, I could feel two pairs of eyes drilling into my back. “Hm.” Anderson replied indifferently. “Driving sober at this hour, she must be really desperate for money, huh? So pathetic. Not like me, with you spoiling me.” Judy giggled, her tone dripping with superiority. “Focus.” Anderson seemed slightly impatient, or perhaps just aroused. The sounds from the backseat paused for a moment, followed by the crisp click of a lighter. The scent of tobacco drifted through the cracks. “Open the window.” Anderson ordered coldly. I mechanically pressed the window button. The biting November wind immediately rushed in, dispersing the sticky air in the car, and making my eyes sting. “It’s freezing!” Judy shrieked, “Why did you open it so wide? Trying to freeze me to death?” I quickly raised the window halfway. “Sorry.” I kept my voice low, trying to alter my tone. “Is anyone allowed to drive a Rolls-Royce these days? Her driving is awful; the way she started made me dizzy.” Judy complained, snuggling deeper into Anderson’s embrace. “Anderson, I’m so dizzy, I feel like throwing up.” “Hold it in.” Anderson’s voice betrayed no emotion. “Pull over up ahead, I want to buy a bottle of water.” Judy whined. “You can’t stop here, you’ll get a ticket.” I explained. “I’ll pay the fine. Anderson, look at her!” Judy was relentless, her tone spoiled and willful. “Listen to her.” Anderson uttered three cold words. I gritted my teeth, flicked on the turn signal, and slowly pulled over to the emergency lane. The car had barely stopped when Judy announced, “Suddenly I’m not thirsty anymore. Let’s go.” I froze for a moment, then restarted the car. “Wait.” Judy suddenly rolled down the window and poured the half-empty bottle of mineral water directly outside. “This water’s been sitting too long, it’s not fresh. Driver, get out and throw the bottle away for me.” Rain poured outside, turning the ground beyond the emergency lane into a muddy mess. I looked at her delicate but cruel face in the rearview mirror, and didn’t move. “What? Too dirty? Is a hundred bucks not enough?” Judy pulled a hundred-dollar bill from her purse, holding it between two fingers, and handed it through the partition gap. Anderson hadn’t said a word, only watching me coldly through the rearview mirror. I took a deep breath and pushed open the car door. The rain instantly soaked my clothes. I picked up the empty bottle from the ground, threw it into a distant trash can, then ran back to the car. Soaked to the bone, the warm air blasting inside the car hit me with a jarring mix of cold and heat, making me shiver. “So slow.” Judy frowned in disgust. “Turn up the AC.” I silently increased the temperature and started the car. “Anderson, doesn’t she look like a drowned rat?” Judy leaned into Anderson’s arms, cackling. Anderson didn’t laugh, only said blandly: “No.” My heart eased slightly, but then I heard him add: “Dogs are more obedient than her.”
The car finally stopped at the SKY Hill Estate. This was the most expensive wealthy neighborhood in the city. Seven years ago, I’d dreamed of living here with Anderson. “We’re here.” I turned off the engine and pulled out the keys. Anderson pushed open his door, then walked around to open Judy’s door. Judy linked his arm, like a proud peacock. I held out the keys with both hands. “Sir, your keys.” Anderson didn’t take them, his gaze fixed on my hands. From years of rough work, my hands were coarse and cracked, with hangnails around the edges. A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes as he pulled out a thick wad of bills from his wallet. It looked like over a thousand dollars, way more than the driving fee. “Take it and get lost.” The bills fluttered to the ground, landing in puddles and splashing mud. I froze. “Anderson, why are you giving her so much? People like this will just get greedy.” Judy cooed, then deliberately stomped her high heel onto the stack of bills, grinding it into the mud. “Pick it up, why are you just standing there? Not enough?” She looked at me provocatively, a malicious smile on her lips. I wanted to turn and leave, to throw the money back in their faces. But… Lester’s medical expenses for tomorrow were still unpaid. A payment reminder from the hospital for Lester was still sitting on my phone. When survival was on the line, dignity meant nothing. I slowly crouched down, reaching out to pick up the mud-soaked bills. Judy’s pointed heel remained firmly on the money, no intention of moving. “Beg me.” She looked down at me. I clenched my teeth, my voice trembling: “Please… move your foot.” “Can’t hear you.” Judy cupped her ear. “Louder, what did you say?” “Please move your foot!” I raised my voice. “Such a bad attitude.” Judy pressed down harder with her foot. “This money is so filthy, I feel disgusted just looking at it.” Anderson stood by, lighting a cigarette, watching coldly. As if none of it concerned him. He even seemed to enjoy watching me being trampled. “Mr. Anderson…” I couldn’t help but look up at him, hoping for a shred of intervention. Even if it was for old times’ sake. Anderson exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes full of mockery. “Marta, seven years. And you can’t even handle this much?” My body stiffened, and I quickly lowered my head. He’d recognized me all along. From the very beginning, this was a cat-and-mouse game. “Since I’ve recognized you,” Anderson took a step closer, his dress shoe stopping beside my hand, “let’s reminisce.” He bent down, his long fingers pinching my chin, forcing me to look up. “Seven years ago, you walked away with that million dollars so gracefully, didn’t you? How did you end up like this?” I opened my mouth, wanting to explain, but seeing the hatred in his eyes, all my words choked in my throat. “Anderson, you two know each other?” Judy dramatically covered her mouth. “Oh my god, is she… is she that ex-girlfriend who abandoned you for money?” “Ex-girlfriend?” Anderson sneered. “Hardly.” He let go, wiping his fingers in disgust. “Nothing more than a plaything.” Judy’s eyes darted, and her smile grew even brighter. “That makes things even easier. Convenient. My place needs a cleaner. Take this money, and tomorrow, come scrub my toilets.” She kicked the stack of money with her toe, sending the bills scattering. “If you don’t show up, I’ll report you for theft.” Anderson didn’t object, only watched me coldly as I picked up the money. I picked up the bills one by one from the ground, mud and rain mixing, chilling to the bone. Each one was Lester’s hope for survival. “Fine.” I lowered my head, clutching the money in my hand. “What time tomorrow?” Anderson’s face stiffened, seemingly surprised by my ready agreement. “Marta, you’re pathetic.” He threw that line at me, then wrapped an arm around Judy and walked into the villa’s main gate. The heavy gate slammed shut, sealing me outside that glamorous world. I stood in the rain for a long time, clutching that thousand-plus dollars. My phone buzzed wildly. It was the hospital. “Marta? Lester had a sudden attack and is in critical condition. We need you to come pay the outstanding fees immediately!” “I’ll be right there!” I wiped the rain from my face and rushed towards the intersection.
The next day, after ensuring Lester, who’d just been stabilized, was settled, I arrived at the SKY Hill Estate as promised. It wasn’t because I was pathetic; it was because Judy had filed a complaint against me on the sober driving platform. If I didn’t show, the platform would forfeit my entire security deposit and permanently ban my account. I couldn’t lose this job. Judy opened the door, dressed in a silk robe, her neck covered in tell-tale hickeys. “You actually came? Right on time.” She stepped aside, her eyes full of mockery. “The cleaning supplies are in the bathroom. Make sure you scrub it spotless; Anderson’s a germaphobe.” I didn’t speak, walking directly to the bathroom. The villa’s decor held faint echoes of my memories, yet it was undeniably alien. It was Anderson’s style: cold, luxurious, devoid of any warmth. The bathroom was large, but the toilet wasn’t actually dirty. Judy was clearly enjoying the humiliation. She leaned against the doorway, holding a glass of red wine, watching me put on gloves and pick up the brush. “I heard you dumped Anderson back then because he was broke, and immediately hooked up with some trust fund kid?” Judy swirled her wine glass, a smirk playing on her lips. “What happened to him? Did he dump you? Or maybe he just used you for kicks?” I scrubbed the toilet, mechanically repeating the motion. “None of your business.” “What do you mean, none of my business?” Judy walked in, her heels clicking crisply on the tile. “Anderson is mine now. Of course, I need to know all about his past.” She suddenly leaned closer, lowering her voice. “Marta, you really have the nerve to show your face? If I were you, I’d have crawled into a hole.” “I’m just here to work.” I straightened up, looking at her coldly. “Work?” Judy suddenly laughed, shaking with mirth. “Do you actually think Anderson asked you here to scrub toilets?” She suddenly splashed the red wine from her glass onto the floor. “Oops, my hand slipped.” Judy blinked innocently. “Clean this up too.” I took a deep breath and picked up the rag. Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Anderson appeared in the doorway, wearing a dark gray loungewear set. Seeing the red wine stain on the floor, he frowned slightly. “What happened?” “Anderson~” Judy instantly changed her expression, tearfully throwing herself into his arms. “I wanted to offer Ms. Marta a drink, but she didn’t appreciate it and splashed the wine…” Her talent for twisting the truth was truly masterful. I looked at Anderson, offering no explanation. What was the point in explaining? In his mind, I was already a materialistic, lying woman. A gold-digger. As expected, Anderson didn’t even glance at me, gently stroking Judy’s hair. “Are you hurt?” “No, just startled.” Judy rubbed against him. “Marta seems to really hate me.” Anderson turned, his gaze like a blade scraping across my face. “Marta, apologize.” “I didn’t spill it.” I straightened my back, looking directly into his eyes. “I told you to apologize.” Anderson’s voice deepened, carrying an undeniable pressure. “I didn’t do it, why should I apologize?” “Hmph.” Anderson sneered, letting go of Judy and stepping closer to me. “Seven years ago, you could abandon me for money. What’s a spilled drink for spite now?” He backed me against the sink, placing his hands on either side of me, trapping me in the small space between him and the counter. The familiar scent of cedar mixed with tobacco assailed me, making me momentarily dazed. “Marta, don’t make me get physical.” There was no warmth in his eyes, only endless disgust. My heart twisted with a sharp pain. “I’m sorry.” The three words were practically squeezed through my teeth. “Couldn’t hear you.” Judy instigated from behind. “Where’s the sincerity?” Anderson stared at me, a cruel curve playing on his lips. “Kneel and wipe it clean. Then we’ll call it even.” I snapped my head up, looking at him in disbelief. “What did you say?” “What, you don’t understand English?” Anderson pointed at the red wine stain on the floor. “Kneel down, and clean it up.” The man who once swore to protect me for life was now ordering me to kneel. Tears welled in my eyes, but I fiercely held them back. For Lester, for that five thousand dollar complaint fine… I slowly bent my knees, my kneecaps slamming against the hard tile. The cold sensation spread from my knees throughout my body. I picked up the rag and meticulously wiped away the red wine. Above me, I heard Judy’s triumphant laughter and Anderson’s cold gaze. In that moment, my dignity was utterly crushed. After cleaning the floor, I was about to leave, but Judy blocked my path. “What’s the rush? You’re not done yet.” She pointed to a pile of gift boxes in the living room corner. “There’s a party here tonight. Your job is to unwrap these gifts and sort them.” I glanced at the time; it was already four in the afternoon. Lester was still in the hospital, and I’d promised to be with her tonight. “I’m sorry, I only agreed to clean. This isn’t part of my job.” “I’ll pay extra.” Anderson said from the sofa, flipping through a magazine, not looking up. “Twenty thousand.” Twenty thousand dollars. That was two months of Lester’s medication. The refusal died on my lips. “Fine.” I walked to the corner and began unwrapping the beautifully packaged gift boxes.
Time ticked by, and dusk settled. Guests, all dressed to the nines, began arriving at the villa. Music and laughter filled the grand hall. I crouched in the corner, sticking out like a sore thumb. “Isn’t that Marta over there?” A sharp female voice cut through the air. I looked up and saw several familiar faces. All old college classmates, part of Anderson’s exclusive circle. “Oh my god, it really is her! What is she wearing?” “I heard she abandoned Anderson for money back then. How did she end up looking like this?” “Karma, right? What goes around comes around.” They surrounded me, pointing and whispering, their eyes full of disdain and mockery. Judy, arm in arm with Anderson, walked over, holding a glass of champagne. “Now, now, everyone, let’s not be so harsh. Marta is earning her living honestly, she deserves respect.” She said “respect” but her eyes were brimming with malice. “Actually, Marta, since we’re all old classmates, why don’t you have a drink too?” Judy took a glass of red wine from a server’s tray and offered it to me. “I don’t drink.” I lowered my head, continuing to organize the items. “What? Not accepting?” A woman in a sequined dress next to me sneered, “Marta, do you think you’re still the beauty you were back then? Judy’s offering you a drink. That’s her being generous!” “Yeah, who are you trying to impress?” Someone took the opportunity to push me. I lost my balance and fell to the floor, my palm landing on an unwrapped brooch. The sharp pin pierced my skin, and blood immediately welled up. “Ah!” I cried out in pain. “She’s bleeding! How disgusting!” Judy dramatically stepped back. “Don’t get blood on my carpet!” Anderson stood in the center of the crowd, watching the scene coldly, with no intention of helping. “Marta, drink up, then you can leave.” He finally spoke. I suppressed the throbbing pain in my hand, trembling as I took the glass of wine. As long as I drank this glass of wine, I could get those twenty thousand dollars and leave this hell. I tilted my head back, drinking the bitter red wine in one gulp. “Cheers!” A chorus of cheers erupted around me. “Another one!” Someone else offered another glass. I stood up, swaying slightly. “Anderson, we agreed on one glass.” “Did I say you’d get the money after just one glass?” Anderson raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of mockery. “You…” Just then, my phone buzzed wildly in my pocket. My heart tightened. I ignored the pain in my hand and the mockery of the crowd, frantically pulling out my phone. As soon as I answered, the nurse’s anxious voice came through: “Marta! Lester’s heart just failed, she’s in critical condition! We need a family member to sign off immediately! Please hurry…” “I’ll be right there…” Before I could finish, a large hand suddenly reached out, snatching my phone. “Anderson! Give me back my phone!” I lunged at him like a madwoman. Anderson held the phone high, watching my frantic state coldly. “Which rich boy is calling you now? Marta, are you that desperate for a man?” “No! Give me my phone! Please!” I cried out, tears streaming down my face. That was Lester’s life-saving call! “No.” A cruel smile twisted Anderson’s lips, and his fingers loosened. Crack! The phone slammed onto the marble floor, the screen shattering, going black instantly. In that moment, my world seemed to shatter with it. “Anderson!!!” I let out a desperate shriek, lunging at him without thinking, grabbing his collar. “If anything happens to her, I swear I’ll make you pay for it with your life!” Slap! A stinging slap cracked across my face, interrupting my shriek. It wasn’t Anderson who hit me, it was Judy. “Marta, what are you doing? How dare you lay a hand on Anderson!” Judy shielded Anderson, looking outrageously righteous. My head snapped to the side from the blow, my ears ringing, and I tasted blood. But I felt no pain. My mind was fixated on the nurse’s words: “heart just failed.” Lester was waiting for my signature, Lester was waiting for me to save her life… I shoved Judy away with surprising force, sending her crashing into a nearby champagne tower. Crash! Countless glass cups shattered, wine splattered everywhere, and Judy let out a sharp shriek. “Ah! My face! Anderson, help me!” The scene descended into chaos. Anderson’s face was ashen. He grabbed my wrist, his grip so strong it felt like he would crush my bones. “Marta! You’re asking for death!” “Get off me!” I found a surge of strength, lowered my head, and bit down hard on his wrist. I didn’t let go until the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth and he cried out in pain, releasing me. I seized the chance, spun around, picked up my broken phone, and stumbled towards the door. Behind me, Anderson’s furious roar echoed: “Stop her!” Two bodyguards blocked the doorway. I grabbed a vase from the entryway, smashed it on the floor, and held a sharp shard against my carotid artery. The shard pricked my skin, and a thin line of blood ran down my neck. “Anyone who tries to stop me, I’ll die right here!” My eyes must have looked terrifying. The bodyguards were startled by my intensity and instinctively backed away. Anderson rushed up, his pupils contracting at the sight. “Marta, are you insane? Put that down!” “Anderson,” I stared at him, tears mixing with blood dripping down, “If my daughter dies, I swear I’ll make sure you all go down with me.” With that, I pushed past the bodyguards and rushed out into the dark, rainy night. I ran wildly on the highway until I flagged down a taxi. “To First Hospital! Fast! Please, hurry!” The driver, terrified by my blood-soaked appearance, floored the accelerator.
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